Self-Expanding Protective Covering Structure

ABSTRACT

A self-expanding protective covering structure, provided with at least one resilient and collapsible frame element, formed into a continuous planar loop. The entire structure, which stretches a protective covering while in the expanded configuration and collapses into a coiled configuration, can be placed and removed from a pond by one individual.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not-Applicable

BACKGROUND-PRIOR ART

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

U.S. Patents Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 7,549,433 B2 2009-06-23 Zheng 6,832,395 B1 2004-12-21 Jeffcoat

NON-PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS

-   Pondtrademag.com, Pond & Garden Protector Kits by Atlantic Water     Gardens, 2009, http://www.pondtrademag.com/tradenews/tn-1421/, Feb.     17, 2013 -   Nyconproducts.com, Made in America, page 12 Big Top Pond Cover     http://www.nyconproducts.com/nycon_(—)05_catalog.pdf, PDF catalog,     Feb. 17, 2013

Netting, or mesh, or open-meshed material as it may be referred, is a common protective covering for the pond industry. As used herein, the term “pond” refers to a number of outdoor constructs having at least one open water container; e.g. a pond, a water garden, a koi pond, a stream, a water feature or the like. These protective coverings for ponds, which are typically associated with excluding debris and predators from entering the water, are historically known to be flaccid in nature, offering no structural rigidity. Historically, there have been several known principle difficulties or drawbacks associated with the use of the traditional netting. The first two of these drawbacks have been the proper placement and removal of the netting over the pond in a timely manner with minimal effort by one individual. Proper placement involves unfolding the netting, situating it evenly over the pond and securing it in place. This can involve multiple trips around the pond in order to evenly situate and secure it in place. Consequently, the removal of the netting involves just as much effort and, makes it equally time consuming for one individual.

Another such drawback is the sagging nature of the traditional netting towards the center of the pond, due in part to the weight of the debris and the settling of the netting. Prior printer publication from Atlantic Water Garden's Catalog of their Pond and Garden Protector (http://www.pondtrademag.com/tradenews/tn-1421, 2009) shown in Prior Art FIG. 1A, offers netting with structural rigidity, which would assist with this particular drawback. However, this structure is comprised of a plurality of individual pieces, shown in Prior Art FIG. 1B, which can be readily lost and which can involve a substantial amount of time to assemble for one individual.

Another such prior printer publication from Nycon Products (Made in America, page 12) offers a solution to the sagging nature with their Big Top Pond Cover, shown in Prior Art FIG. 2. Poles 62 and 63 intersect a netting 64 near equidistant points in the pond thereby situating the netting above the water in a tent-like fashion, while also resting on the bottom of the pond. With this netting still flaccid in nature, the same placement and removal drawbacks apply as with traditional netting. More specifically, the unfolding, situating and proper placement of the netting and the poles make it a difficult task for one individual to complete in a timely manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,433 (Zheng, 2009) entitled VERTICALLY STACKED COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURES, offers a collapsible play structure which has a plurality of panels that can be detached and used for a multitude of different tasks, including but not limited to being used as a decorative panel, a floor mat and even a pool or a pond cover. Despite their wide-ranging use and applicability, all of the above-mentioned collapsible structural configurations render them better suited for certain applications rather than others. Therefore, there still remains a need to provide a self-expanding protective covering structure that reduces the complexity and cost and focuses solely on the task of a self-expanding protective covering structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,395 (Jeffcoat, 2004) entitled SWIMMING POOL COVER shows a swimming pool cover that can be disposed on the swimming pool and removed therefrom by one individual. The swimming pool cover includes a flexible mesh screen having a peripheral sleeve in which a flexible wiring is disposed. In addition the peripheral sleeve includes slots through which drawstrings can be pulled and tied by the individual for tightening and securing the swimming pool cover the to the swimming pool. Accordingly, while the self-erection of this structure is convenient for a swimming pool cover, this patent does not teach, in any way, which would allow them to tighten and secure the swimming pool cover around a pond for the use for its application for ponds. Therefore, there still remains a need to provide a self-expanding protective covering structure that offers a solution specifically for ponds.

Advantages

Accordingly, several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide self-expanding protective covering structures, that allow one individual to place and remove easily from a pond in a timely manner, that remain structurally taut during its use on a pond, that expand and collapse easily, all in a simple and cost effective manner. Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a self-expanding protective covering structure comprises a material covering, a peripheral sleeve and at least one resilient and collapsible frame element.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a prior art netting structure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of all pieces associated with prior art shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art netting structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a self-expanding protective covering structure in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a self-expanding protective covering structure with a plurality of hook and loop fasteners in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a resilient frame element in an expanded configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a self-expanding protective covering structure in a stored configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of FIG. 5 in an expanded configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of FIG. 5 with cross-sectional lines in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the connection between a ferrule and a resilient frame element in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional elevational view of a self-expanding protective covering structure illustrating the enclosure of the resilient frame element by a peripheral sleeve in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate the method of storing a self-expanding protective covering structure from the expanded configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a self-expanding protective covering structure with hook and loop fasteners in a stored configuration in accordance with one embodiment.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

31—Netting Material 32—Grommet 33—Peripheral Sleeve 34—Resilient frame element 35—Passageway 36—Water 37—Ground 38—Ferrule 39—Resilient frame element extremity 40—Resilient frame element extremity 41—Ferrule extremity 42—Ferrule extremity 43—Landscaping stake/staple 52—Individual 53—First circular segment 54—Second circular segment 56—First mid-section 57—Second mid-section 62—Pole 1 - Prior Art 63—Pole 2 - Prior Art 64—Netting - Prior Art 65—Hook and loop fasteners 66—Storage sleeve

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-10—First Embodiment

Referring now to the drawing in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 3 illustrates the first embodiment of a self-expanding protective covering structure in its expanded configuration. The self-expanding protective covering structure is provided with an open-meshed or netting material 31. Open-meshed or netting material 31 is provided with a peripheral sleeve 33 that is disposed adjacent the perimeter of netting material 31. At least one resilient frame element 34 resides within peripheral sleeve 33. In the expanded configuration, resilient frame element 34 forms a continuous planar loop stretching netting material 31 taut. Frame element 34 is illustrated unaccompanied in FIG. 5 in its expanded configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, the protective covering structure can be collapsed to a stored configuration, and deployed to the expanded configuration for use in a timely manner by one individual. In its stored configuration, the first embodiment of frame element 34 collapses down to three substantially concentric coils with netting material 31 in a flexible, relaxed position.

In its expanded configuration, frame element 34 can be round or oval or any shape or any size that lends itself suitable for protective covering. FIG. 7 illustrates a frame element with first and second circular segments 53 and 54, respectively, connected by first and second mid-sections 56 and 57, respectively. Furthermore, frame element 34 can be a single continuous element or one or more resilient frame elements coupled together.

Frame element 34 can be constructed of materials suitable for forming a framework structure which would have high elasticity and/or resilience. Such characteristics may also be combined with high tensile and/or compressive strength. The cross-sectional area of frame element 34 should be constructed in such a manner that allows for the frame element to be substantially circular in a collapsed configuration. Likewise, the cross-sectional area of frame element 34 should be constructed in such a manner that allows for the frame element to be relatively easy to deploy once removed from a container 66. Examples of suitable materials for frame element 34 are spring steel, coated spring steel, steel alloy, fiberglass composite, glass-reinforced epoxy, carbon graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and highly flexible plastics. However, it is presently contemplated for the first embodiment that frame element 34 is made with a fiberglass rod.

Frame element 34 and netting material 31 can be coupled to each other in different manners. For instance, the netting may be provided with suitable passages, loops, recesses, connecting methods, pockets, hemmed edges, sewn binding, bonded, and/or the like, or be designed differently, for holding frame element 34. Netting material 31 can also be coupled to extend around and enclose frame element 34. However, it is presently contemplated that the first embodiment suggests frame element 34 is enclosed inside peripheral sleeve 33 integrally formed to netting material 31, as seen in FIG. 10. Peripheral sleeve 33 includes a passageway 35 that is coextensive with peripheral sleeve 33.

In addition, frame element 34 can be coupled together via netting material 31, so that no special connecting methods are to be used for coupling the frame element. However, FIG. 9 illustrates that it is presently contemplated that the first embodiment suggests that the two ends 39 and 40 of frame element 34 are joined together using a ferrule 38, sleeve or other similar connecting device, where the inside circumference of ferrule 38 allows for the sliding reception of frame element 34 into ferrule 38. More specifically, ferrule 38 has one of its extremities 41 over one of the frame element ends 39 and is fixed in place by dimpling. An opposite ferrule extremity 42 axially engages the other end of frame element 40, and is fixed in place by dimpling. However, other adhering methods such as crimping and/or adhesive bonding both ends 39 and 40 of frame element 34 to the ferrule extremities 41 and 42 are acceptable.

Ferrule 38, sleeve or other similar connecting device can be constructed of materials such as fiberglass, steel, aluminum, brass, or the like. It is presently contemplated that the first embodiment utilizes a steel ferrule. The outside circumference of ferrule 38, sleeve or other similar connecting device should be of a proportional size for ample clearance inside passageway 35 of peripheral sleeve 33 without causing interference between passageway 35 and ferrule 38, sleeve or other similar connecting device.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that netting material 31 can be constructed of netting materials suitable for such aquatic applications, preferably with ultraviolet inhibitors to prolong the life of the netting. Those skilled in the art will also be cognizant of the proper mesh sizes commonly used for such aquatic applications.

Peripheral sleeve 33 can be constructed of material suitable for such outdoor aquatic applications, preferably with ultraviolet inhibitors and/or mildew resistance to prolong the life of peripheral sleeve 33. The first embodiment utilizes a nylon blend but other suitable materials can include, without limitation, waterproof fabric and/or ultraviolet inhibitors such as treated cotton, polyester, polyester with polyurethane coating, nylons, netting, and coarse weave fabrics or the like.

A plurality of appropriately-spaced grommets 32, eyelets or other such material protectors, perpendicularly intersect the outer perimeter of peripheral sleeve 33 to allow the penetration of a fastening device, such as a staple 43, landscaping stake or the like, that will secure the self-expanding protective covering structure to ground 37, as seen in FIG. 10. Those skilled in the art will be aware of the common fastening devices used to fasten netting around ponds, as well as, the suitable dimensions for grommets 32 in reference to aquatic netting.

Operation FIGS. 11-18

One of the more novel aspects of the embodiment is the manner in which the covering structure may be easily configured by a single individual. This particular method is illustrated in FIGS. 11-18. However, if one were to view the Figs in the opposite manner, i.e. FIGS. 18-11, one would likewise see the method in which the covering structure moves from the stored configuration to the fully expanded configuration during expansion.

As seen in FIG. 11, there is noted an individual 52 grasping first circular segment 53 from the top of the covering structure in drawing first circular segment 53 towards second circular segment 54. Now, the individual is holding both circular segment 53 & 54 together with both first and second mid-sections 56 and 57 forming a convex U-shaped channel parallel with the ground as shown in FIG. 12. Next, the covering structure is rotated 90 degrees in the vertical axis so that U-shaped channel formed by both mid-sections 56 and 57 is now perpendicular to the ground as illustrated in FIG. 13. Next, the covering structure is rotated 90 degrees in the horizontal axis so that both first and second circular segments 53 and 54 are directly facing the individual as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows the individual grasping the top end of first mid-section 56 in one hand and the alternate hand remaining on both circular segments 53 and 54, first mid-section 56 is folded down and inserted inside the margin above second mid-section 57 while the both circular segments 53 and 54 are then slowly released from the individual's hand and simultaneously folded downward and inward, tucking within one another causing the covering structure to collapse as shown in FIG. 16. A three-layered coil results, as shown in FIG. 17. The coil should be secured for storage by placing inside provided storage sleeve 66, as seen in FIG. 18.

As stated earlier and with continued reference to FIGS. 11-18, one can easily view the figures in reverse order to see how the covering structure configures from the stored configuration to the fully expanded configuration during expansion.

Individual 52 would first remove the covering structure from storage sleeve 66. Upon removal from storage sleeve 66, the covering structure quickly deploys and expands as frame element 34 opens to its fully expanded configuration with minimal effort compared to several of the prior-art netting structures. Several shakes may be involved to initiate the expansion if frame element 34 does not immediately expand. In reference to FIG. 10, the taut covering structure can be positioned above water 36 with frame element 34 resting on ground 37. The covering structure can be secured to ground 37 using landscaping stakes/staples 43 placed through the eyelets in grommets 32. When it is desired to remove the covering structure, the individual simply removes landscaping stakes/staples 43 from grommets 32 and lifts the covering structure off of ground 37, removes the leaves and debris, and then carefully collapses the covering structure down to size so that the covering structure fits within storage sleeve 66 whereupon the covering structure is ready for the next use.

FIG. 4—Second Embodiment

An additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, includes a plurality of hook and loop fasteners 65 situated around the outside perimeter of the peripheral sleeve 33. Hook and loop fasteners 65 are used to secure the self-expanding protective covering structure during its stored configuration. Other suitable fasteners can include cables, belts, latches, wraps, clips, clamps or blends of any of these.

FIG. 19—Second Embodiment

FIG. 19 illustrates the self-expanding protective covering structure in its stored configuration with the addition of a plurality of hook and loop fasteners 65 located around the perimeter. The self-expanding protective covering structure can be secured by attaching diametrically opposed hook and loop fasteners 65 about the center of the coiled configuration.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the self-expanding protective covering structure provides a protective covering structure that allows one individual to place and remove netting easily in a timely manner, that remains structurally taut throughout its use and that expands and collapses with relatively little effort.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible.

For example, the netting material can be replaced with a hard cover, non-permeable material cover. Non-permeable materials can include cloth, canvas, vinyl, polyester coated urethane, water resistant treated nylons, plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene or laminates of woven and sheet materials or blends of any of those. The non-permeable material can extend around and enclose the frame element. 

I claim:
 1. A self-expanding protective covering structure comprising: a. a material covering having a perimeter, b. means for expanding said material covering to a substantially planar loop when the structure is in an expanded configuration, c. said material covering extending around and enclosing said means.
 2. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 1, wherein said material covering is comprised of an open-meshed material substantially impervious to debris and rodents.
 3. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 1, wherein said means is made of a material having a resilience and a cross-sectional area such that said means can be substantially circular in a collapsed configuration.
 4. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 1, further including a plurality of grommets defining openings perpendicular to a planar surface on said material covering.
 5. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 1, further including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners adjacent said perimeter.
 6. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 1, wherein said self-expanding covering structure can be brought from said expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration and vice versa.
 7. A self-expanding protective covering structure comprising: a. at least one resilient and collapsible frame element configured to form a continuous substantially planar loop when the structure is in an expanded configuration, b. a material covering having a perimeter extending around and enclosing said resilient and collapsible frame element.
 8. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 7, wherein said material covering is comprised of an open-meshed material substantially impervious to debris and rodents.
 9. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 7, wherein said resilient and collapsible frame element is made of a material having a resilience and a cross-sectional area such that said resilient and collapsible frame element can be substantially circular in a collapsed configuration.
 10. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 7, further including a plurality of grommets defining openings perpendicular to a planar surface on said material covering.
 11. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 7, further including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners adjacent said perimeter.
 12. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 7, wherein said self-expanding covering structure can be brought from said expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration and vice versa.
 13. A self-expanding protective covering structure comprising: a. a material covering having a perimeter, b. said material covering including a peripheral sleeve that is disposed adjacent to said perimeter, c. at least one resilient and collapsible frame element configured to form a continuous substantially planar loop, extending within said peripheral sleeve, which stretches said material covering when the structure is in an expanded configuration.
 14. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 13, wherein said material covering is comprised of an open-meshed material substantially impervious to debris and rodents.
 15. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 13, wherein said resilient and collapsible frame element is made of a material having a resilience and a cross-sectional area such that said resilient and collapsible frame element can be substantially circular in a collapsed configuration.
 16. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 13, further including a plurality of grommets defining openings perpendicular to a planar surface on said peripheral sleeve.
 17. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 13, further including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners adjacent said perimeter.
 18. The self-expanding protective covering structure of claim 13, wherein the said self-expanding protective covering structure can be brought from said expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration and vice versa. 